Marcelo Lopez

It is with deepest regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather Marcelo Reyes Lopez. Marcelo left his earthly life surrounded by his loving family at Mesilla Valley Hospice on June 14, 2011. Marcelo was born on September 24, 1932 in Fairacres, New Mexico to Guillermo and Maria Lopez. Marcelo was married to Delia Chavez Lopez, his surviving spouse for 56 years. Marcelo is survived by his children: Juliana (Jose Hinojosa), Elva (Tony Mancha), Veronica (Johnny Armenta), Jose (Maria Sanchez), Caesar (Aidee Ota), and Marcella (Ernest Apodaca) who have given them a total of 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Marcelo is also survived by his sisters Juana Estrada, Eloisa (Licha) Cratty, Paula Perez, Refugia Lopez, Margarita Griego, Hilaria Ludwig, and brothers Willie Jr. and Raul. He is preceded in death by his parents Guillermo and Maria Lopez and brother Ignacio Lopez and in-laws George and Leonila Chavez. Marcelo at a very young age worked on farms with his father. He was also an Army veteran and served honorably during the Korean Conflict. Marcelo worked for 34 years in the field of highway construction throughout the state of New Mexico. Marcelo was a proud man and instilled in his children the importance of providing for family and hard work. After his retirement Marcelo enjoyed a quiet life at home and tended to his small pecan grove and vegetable garden. Marcelo enjoyed his "novelas", wrestling, and westerns on television. He was a devout Catholic and recited his rosary at least twice daily and attended mass daily until he was no longer able to due to his illness. Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons Ricardo, Antonio, and Alejandro Mancha, Daniel Sauceda, Joshua Lopez, and Dominique Apodaca. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Ota Lopez, Dr. Rudolfo Chavez, Manuel Chavez, Ernest Apodaca and Nick Castillo. Services will be provided by Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces. Viewing will be from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Getz Chapel with the rosary following at 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 19, 2011. The holy mass will be said at the San Jose de Picacho Church in Old Picacho Village, which was his family church, on Monday, June 20, 2011, at 10:00 am followed by burial at the San Albino Cemetery in Mesilla, New Mexico. PDF Printable Version